Michael J. Vanden Wymelenberg

Michael J. Vanden Wymelenberg

It is with deep sorrow that we share the sudden passing of Michael (Mike) Vanden Wymelenberg on Sunday, September 8th, at the age of 70. His loss was completely unexpected, and his family is profoundly saddened.

Mike was born on May 16, 1954, to Richard and Bernice Vanden Wymelenberg, the eldest of 10 children. He grew up in Wrightstown, where he spent his childhood and teens helping his father, Dick, with "The Store." Little did Mike know that at the age of 15, he would meet Nancy, the love of his life. They dated throughout high school and soon after, they were married. This month, they would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. It was a rare occasion to see Mike without Nancy.

Mike spent over 40 years at Fox Valley Tool & Die, where he built lifelong friendships. Starting out on the machines in his early 20’s, his hard work and dedication saw him rise through the ranks. Mike's work ethic was unmatched. Whether on the farm, where he rebuilt the granary and planted hundreds of trees, or at their home in Mequon. He was always busy—chopping wood, pulling buckthorn, or fixing something.

Above all, Mike cherished his family. His children and grandchildren were the center of his world. He set the example of how to be a good human. Giving & selfless, he taught his children how to help others. And there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his kids. Whether it was painting a room or delivering freshly chopped firewood, he was always there. He was at every sporting event, play, musical, graduation, most times with a camera in hand!

Dad/Poppi will forever be remembered for his boundless generosity and dedication to those he loved. He didn’t say goodbye, he just said “Love Ya”.

Survived by his one and only love of his life, Nancy (Neuman) Vanden Wymelenberg. His two daughters Erin (Mike) Schumaker, Claire (Joe) Evers, and son Eli (Carrie) Vanden Wymelenberg. Grandchildren: Sophie, Irene, Michael, Theodore, Declan, Amelia, Cody, Jack and June.

He’s also survived by his mother, Bonnie Vanden Wymelenberg, siblings Paula (Mike) Weyers, Karen (Brian) Prunty, Mary Ann (Dave) Ozarowicz, Nancy (Dan) Matheiu, Rick (Mary) Vanden Wymelenberg, Pete (Mary Jo) Vanden Wymelenberg, Jamie (Jen) Vanden Wymelenberg, John (Ann) Vanden Wymelenberg, Michelle (Pete) Rentmeester, sisters-in-law, Pat Beining, Judith (Bern) Diederich, and Jeanne (Tom) Vanden Heuvel, and brothers-in-law, Tom (Kay) Neuman, Gary (Colleen) Neuman, Bill (Nancy) Neumann, and Jimmy (Isabel) Neuman.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Vanden Wymelenberg and brother-in-law, Larry Beining.

Funeral Arrangements: The family kindly requests that, rather than a traditional receiving line, you share your condolences by sending your stories and memories, even photos in a video or email message. These can be emailed to Dad.VW2024@gmail.com allowing the family to treasure them always.

The Memorial Service will take place promptly, on Sunday, September 15, 2024, 1:30PM at Pilgrim United Church of Christ (1621 2nd Ave.), Grafton. A reception will take place immediately following the memorial service in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice are appreciated.

To view the memorial service using a livestream link please use: https://www.youtube.com/@pilgrimuccgraftonwi346 for those who cannot attend in person.